Location
Scientific Campus, Colindale, London. This role is lab based and hybrid working is not available.

Hours
Full time hours as per UKHSA standard working patterns.

Salary
AfC Band 5: £32,073 - £39,043 (plus Outer HCAS payment) per annum, pro rata
EO (Inner London): £32,624 - £37,737 per annum, pro rata

About the Role
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) plays a vital role in preventing, preparing for, and responding to infectious diseases and environmental hazards to protect public health and build national health security capability. We are seeking an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist Practitioner (AfC Band 5) or a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner (Executive Officer) to join the Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU), a National Reference Laboratory providing specialist services for a range of gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens.

The role involves performing molecular and conventional microbiological analyses on clinical, food, water, and environmental specimens, including DNA-based detection and typing using real-time PCR and whole genome sequencing. You will support the safe, effective, and timely delivery of CL2 and CL3 laboratory services, assist in outbreak investigations, and contribute to research and development activities.

Key responsibilities include specimen processing, analysis and validation of results, writing and updating SOPs, supporting emergency public health responses, training and supervising staff, maintaining equipment and quality standards, and contributing to strategic service development.

UKHSA is committed to an inclusive culture where diversity is valued and differences drive innovative solutions to meet workforce and community needs.

Experience
- Experience working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
- Good knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods
- Understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures
- Experience with DNA-based detection methods such as real-time PCR and whole genome sequencing is desirable
- Experience working at containment level 3 is desirable
- Experience writing SOPs is desirable

About you
- Independent thinker with good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
- Good manual dexterity and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritise work and work without supervision
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend appropriate actions
- Commitment to health and safety and quality standards

Qualifications
- BSc in Microbiology, relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience
- HCPC registration is desirable but not essential